Gov’t says families to determine whether MV Barima will be salvaged

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Tuesday told reporters that the affected families will determine whether the sunken MV Barima will be salvaged or the site will be preserved as a memorial. “There are several proposals being submitted to government for salvaging the vessel “In addition to those offers, it is the wishes of the family that are important at this stage. If there is an indication that the area be deemed a memorial site, then we go with that option. If the family feels we should salvage the vessel, then we will do that,” Prime Minister Phillips said at a press conference. For days, divers and other members of the recovery team have been trying to recover any bodies still trapped inside the sunken ferry. Efforts have also been made to reposition the vessel to aid recovery efforts. However, those efforts have been futile. With diving operations now suspended, the Prime Minister said the wishes of the families will inform the government’s next steps. Should the families disagree on this decision — that is, whether to salvage the vessel or preserve the site — the Prime Minister said a “conflict resolution approach” will be taken. Meanwhile, when quizzed about the usefulness of the vessel — and any evidence that may be on the ship still — the Prime Minister opined that survivors’ accounts may prove more insightful. The government is moving ahead with an international Commission of Inquiry into the tragedy, where 76 individuals have been rescued, and 73 persons have been confirmed dead. Another 30 individuals are still unaccounted for. PM Phillips said the government wants a “thorough” COI and has already engaged the Commissioners selected by President Dr Irfaan Ali and is in the process of hiring local staff. There are also criminal proceedings unfolding in the Court. Earlier Tuesday, MV Barima captain Kevin Price, called “KP”, Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, and the Goods Superintendent, Delon Granderson, were charged with murder. At a press conference the day after the MV Barime disaster, PM Phillips revealed that some of the people rescued after the MV Barima capsized were not officially listed as passengers, and two of the crew members tested positive for narcotics.